Mid State of Ohio Kart Club
Board of Directors Meeting
May 18, 2006
Station House 81 – Commercial Point, Ohio
Call to Order – Mike Unger called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Paul Lyda distributed an agenda.
Attendance – In attendance were:
Bill Bruce – Member (Secretary)
Art Collins – Visitor
Dana Conlin – Member
Donny Gaddis – Visitor
MaShaun Jones – Visitor (Webmaster)
Paul Lyda – Member (Vice-President)
Todd Mees – Visitor
Bob Strawser – Member
Heath Tatman – Member
Steve Tatman – Member
Mike Unger – Member (President)
Mike Yorger – Member
There were eight regular board members present and no alternates.
Apologies for Absence – Those who had indicated that they were unable to attend the meeting were:
Kevin Brown – Member
Mike Dillon – Member (Treasurer)
Mike Long – Alternate
Steve Sharp – Alternate
Treasurer’s/Membership Report – Mike Dillon, who was unable to attend the meeting, had provided the treasurers report to Mike Unger, who summarized it for those in attendance. The kart count for Race No. 3 was 74 members, 5 non-members, and 6 kid karts.
Amendments to GCRs – Mike Unger reported that he had not had an opportunity to revise the General Competition Rules (GCRs) regarding SuperCan Novice class eligibility. He indicated that he would do this prior to the next meeting (ACTION 1).
Reflections on Race Nos. 1 through 3 – Mike Unger began the discussion by indicating that the kart count was good for the first three races and the transition to transponders was going well and would only get better. He also acknowledged Ryan Strawser, out Head Flagman, for keeping the proceedings on schedule. He then invited comments from the group. Mike Yorger indicated that the starts of the combined Animal/SuperCan Novice class had improved. Dana Conlin suggested that this topic was worthy of further discussion. She suggested the need to have the Animals start half a lap back, so that when they began to catch the SuperCans, they would be strung out. Bob Strawser suggested that the animals should start on the front as opposed to the rear of the field. Mike Unger emphasized that it was better to have the veterans (Animals) coming up through the field as opposed to the other way around. Paul Lyda proposed combining the Animals with a different class. MaShaun Jones agreed that, from a participant’s viewpoint, he would appreciate that. Paul Lyda proposed combining the Animals with the Spec 100 class. After some discussion, Mike Unger agreed that this would be worth a try.
Transponder System Up-Date – The need to identify and differentiate rental transponders from participant-owned transponders was identified. Steve Tatman indicated that labels had been applied to the rental transponders, which should solve this issue. Placement of the rental transponder table was also discussed, it was agreed that the table should be moved closer to the entrance to the scale house. It was also suggested that the scale-house person should not allow a kart to be weighed until the rental transponder is removed and returned. Mike Unger indicated that Erin Dillon had requested some compensation me provided to MaShaun Jones as an incentive for helping her learn the transponder software, and proposed that he be allowed to race for free for two races. Motion – Mike Unger, Second – Bob Strawser, Vote – Unanimously approved. MaShaun indicated that, while he appreciated this, what he really needed was for someone to prepare his kart. Mike Unger suggested that Bob McConnell could do this. MaShaun Jones indicated that unofficial results would eventually be posted on MyLaps.com. Mounting location for transponders was discussed next. After some discussion, it was decided that transponders should be mounted no closer that 8 in. behind the plane of the kingpin on the left side of the kart. Motion – Mike Unger, Second – Bob Strawser, Vote – Unanimously approved. It was also agreed that it is the racers responsibility to have a working transponder installed prior to entering the racing surface. Motion – Mike Unger, Second – Dana Conlin, Vote – Unanimously approved. Mike Unger agreed to draft these revisions into the GCRs (ACTION 2). Steve Tatman suggested that it is important to use a minimum of three fresh wire ties to secure the transponder to the kart, because if a transponder falls off, the kart stops being scored. He also indicated that results would be printed out and posted on the concession stand throughout the day. Mike Unger asked if we were ready to use the AMB system for printing grid sheets, etc. Paul Lyda indicated that this is not a matter for the board and that the track personnel should roll out the new system whenever it is ready. While on the subject of grid sheets, etc., the need for a standardized class line-up was discussed. Bill Bruce indicated that it was important to him to have at least one class in between each of his three son’s classes because they all share one transponder and that other families were in the same situation, including those of Greyson Eaves and Doug Cvelbar. Mike Unger indicated that he would discuss this with Erin Dillon and that a standardized line-up would be developed that would suit everyone.
Post-Race Tech Inspection – Mike Unger indicated that Pearl Gamble (2-cycle inspector) had asked for a $10 increase in his compensation due to the having to split this with Bob Strawser (4-cycle inspector) and his long commute to the track. After some discussion, this was approved. Motion – Paul Lyda, Second – Bob Strawser, Vote – Unanimously approved. Mike Unger emphasized the need for an effective tech inspection, but also suggested that no one, particularly the novice class, should have to take their engine home in a box.
Preparations for Race No. 4 – Mike Unger inquired about the availability of tires and fuel in preparation for Race No. 4. Bob Strawser indicated that an ample supply of both were available. He then asked Steve Tatman about the modifications that had been made to run the track in the opposite direction. Steve responded by indicating that the necessary concrete had been poured and that an ample number of hay bales had been placed. Art Collins expressed concern for the junior drivers running the track backwards and asked if they could run the track forward. Mike Unger indicated that if the track was going to be run backwards at all, it would need to be run backwards for everybody. Steve Tatman indicated that with the hay bales in place it would be impossible to run the track forwards on the same day. He went on to suggest that, with the hay bales in place, the track might even be safer in the backwards configuration. He also indicated that the track would be open for backwards practice on the Friday and Saturday preceding the race.
Timing Display –Mike Unger asked about the status of the timing display that had been offered to the club by Jed Hacker. MaShaun Jones indicated that this could be incorporated into the AMB system without too much trouble although the display itself needs some work and is quite large. The possibility of purchasing a new display was discussed as was what to display (order and best time for the current class, next class up, etc.).
Hog Roast Preparations – Mike Unger summarized the preparations that had been made for the Hog Roast following the Sunday race on July 23 so far. He indicated that the club would provide the meat, buns, utensils, plates, napkins, etc. Paul Lyda volunteered to devise a list for the ‘pot luck’ arrangement (i.e., who should bring what). He reminded the group that representatives from Vega Tires and Grand Prix Distributing were planning to attend. Games for both kids and adults were discussed. The prizes for those games would be sets of tires from the surplus owed to the club.
Vega Tires for 2007 – Mike Unger reminded the group that the tire contract with Grand Prix Distributing was up at the end of the year. There was general agreement that the Vega tires were preferred over the Dunlap SL4, which Mike Unger indicated would be used by OVKA for the next two years. Mike Yorger suggested that, based upon a recent comparison, the Vega Nordams were approximately 0.7 sec faster than the Dunlop SL4s at CRP. Mike Unger also reminded the group that Grand Prix Distributing had provided approximately 56 sets of Vega tires to the club for the 2005 banquet. There was general agreement that Vega tires should continue to be the tire of choice for the club in 2007.
Commercial Point Grand Prix Activities – Heath Tatman indicated that an ad in the CPGP program would reach about 2000 people. He also summarized other promotional opportunities and indicated that there would be a $200 per class contingency prize for winners running on Vega tires. To be eligible for this prose, the contestant would have to display both a Vega tire sticker and a Grand Prix Distributing sticker.
MSOKC Swap Meet Committee Up-Date – Mike Dillon indicated that an update would be provided at the next meeting. The amount of required space, and the cost for that space, was discussed.
Endurance Race – Mike Unger initiated discussion pertaining to an endurance race later in the season. Class structure, format, and rules were discussed. The ability for a parent to team with a junior driver was discussed. Mike Unger indicated that he would gauge interest using the MSOKC forum.
Petitions – Mike Unger for a motion to be made that would allow Noah Unger to participate in the Sportsman Yamaha (SSX can) class without an ‘X’ on the back of his helmet and without starting from the rear of the grid. Motion – Heath Tatman, Second – Steve Tatman, Vote – Unanimously approved with one abstention (Mike Unger).
Next Meeting – The next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 15, 2006, at Station House 81 in Commercial Point, Ohio.
Actions – The following is a list of action items from the meeting:
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:19 PM.
Bill Bruce
Secretary
MSOKC Board of Directors